IRAN: SABERI DEMARCHE DELIVERED

C O N F I D E N T I A L BERLIN 000678 SIPDIS, NEA/IR FOR THIBAULT E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/08/2019 TAGS: CASC PGOV PHUM PINR PREL PROP PTER IR GM SUBJECT: IRAN: SABERI DEMARCHE DELIVERED REF: A) SECSTATE 49083 B) E-MAILS PAETZOLD - DEPARTMENT Classified By: Political Minister Counselor Jeffrey Rathke for reasons 1.4(b)/(d). ¶1. (C) Acting Political Section Chief met with MFA Middle East Director Sabine Sparwasser on June 3, 2009 to deliver Ref A. A/POL Chief expressed USG gratitude for German assistance in the case, in particular the public declarations in early May by MFA Human Rights Commissioner Gunther Nooke calling for Ms. Saberi's release. Sparwasser expressed the German government's happiness with the release. She noted that the MFA had feared that Saberi would be held in Iran after her release from prison "as one more pawn" for the Iranian government to use in their political maneuvering. Sparwasser described Saberi's release as a real gesture by the Iranian side, one that must have been approved at the very top. She added that the German government had suggested to visiting Iranians a month or two ago that releasing Saberi would be a very good gesture at little cost to Iran. ¶2. (C) When asked about the other two ACS cases raised in Ref A, Sparwasser noted that while Germany is "constantly" asking about Esha Momeni, there seemed to be little movement. Ms. Momeni is apparently still awaiting trial; however, said Sparwasser, at least she is not in prison and seemingly not in danger for the moment. Germany continues to have no details on the whereabouts or condition of Robert Levinson, she added. Koenig